How To Problem-Solve Effectively

There are as many ways to solve problems as there are problems and people to solve them! If you’re looking for how to problem-solve effectively and you just haven’t hit on the solution that is a great fit for you and your personality, here are ten steps I have found to be effective.

I urge you to check them out, try them on for size and see how they work, or don’t, for you. I’d also love to hear how you problem solve, what works and what hasn’t. Let’s share our secrets for success!

How To Problem-Solve Effectively

Every day we are faced with problems. We have to walk our way through challenges and find the light of a solution. You don’t have to struggle alone — and you shouldn’t. Find an accountability partner, a friend or colleague with whom you can connect and move from problem to solution.

Here are ten steps I have found to be effective for me.

Look at the problem from various angles. Walk around it. Think about it. Write down what you believe the problem is then expand your definition of the problem. Expand your view and ask yourself, “is there something more to this problem?” Oftentimes there is.

Put a precise definition to the problem. Do not be vague or your solution will likely be vague and not fully address the issue.

What is causing the problem? When did it start? Did something lead to its raising its head?

Write down every solution you can think of that may solve the problem. Don’t discard any potential solution even if you think it is not going to work.

Now that you have pinpointed the problem, you can get to work on its solution.

Assemble a team to help address the issue

Come up with tactics and strategic approaches to solve it

Give the solution a deadline

Implement the potential solutions you’ve come up with. Have a back up plan in case the original plan doesn’t fully solve the issue.

Circle back to the original problem. Write down the tactics you used to address it. Keep these notes in case the problem comes up again.

Always have a plan B

Don’t let problems linger. They will sap your mental and physical energy. An unsolved or unresolved problem will lead to stress, unhappiness and general dissatisfaction. Achieving inner peace will lead to serenity; this will help you face challenges head on and your experiences at having solved problems before will help you address the new ones head on.